Brendan Rodgers believes he needs four new players before the closure of the transfer window – with 21-year-old Manchester United defender Paddy McNair high on the wanted list of the Celtic manager.
However, while Rodgers will look to bolster his squad he could also be another body down after Nir Bitton limped out of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last night with what appears to be a medial ligament injury. The midfielder is a considerable doubt ahead of Wednesday night’s second leg UEFA Champions League qualifier against FC Astana.
“Our only negative was the injury to Nir Bitton which looks a nasty one,” said Rodgers. “We’ll assess it in the next 24 hours. There is a concern but we will see how serious it is.”
Meanwhile, having had an opportunity to assess the Celtic squad over the last six weeks, Rodgers will look to kick on with signings before the closure of the transfer window next month.
“Probably ideally I would like another four,” said the Parkhead manager. “We shall see. It just takes time. I respect that and understand that but in terms of assessing the squad before I came in and likewise having been in now for six weeks or so that is what I would say we would be at.”
Celtic have been frustrated in their attempts to bring in Scott Sinclair, with four bids knocked back by Aston Villa for the player. McNair could be next in line with Rodgers looking to progress in Europe with a more balanced squad.
“Scotty is a young talented lad that I know really well but he is still an Aston Villa player. Until anything done there is nothing to say,” said Rodgers. He was similarly coy on the interest in McNair, with his club manager Jose Mourinho believing that he would benefit from a loan deal. “I can’t deny or say yes or no that because there have been so many players who have been thrown our way or linked with Celtic so I can’t comment on everyone.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers was effusive in his praise for Leigh Griffiths who netted against the Catlans. “He has good rhythm now from the pre-season games, that’s our tenth game and they’ve not been easy,” said Rodgers.
“But he has become fitter and stronger. I’ve talked to him about pressing goalkeepers and how he could get four or five goals a season by doing that. He got his rewards from that pressure today.
“Leigh is a terrific striker, there is no doubt about that. I know that even from the short time I’ve worked with him, he has a natural instinct. At whatever level he plays he’ll get goals. It’s been nice for him to get them in the qualifiers because I don’t think he’d scored in Europe before.”
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